Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that practically makes itself, then you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is a family favorite at my house, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s one of those special recipes that combines simple ingredients into something truly delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this dish has a way of making any meal feel like a celebration.

What makes this recipe so wonderful is its ease. With just ten minutes of prep time, you can toss everything into your crockpot and let it do the work while you carry on with your day. The sweet and tangy flavors blend beautifully, creating a dish that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just ten minutes of prep means more time for you to relax or do other things.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet honey and zesty mustard create a flavor profile that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, with veggies, or in sandwiches; the options are endless!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners; just set it and forget it!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of honey and mustard gives a unique twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients should be a breeze with this recipe. These are simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your pantry! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lb chicken breast (about 4, 6 oz. pieces) (chicken thighs will work)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For the Sauce

• ¼ c honey
• ¼ c dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For Thickening (Optional)

• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• 4 Tbsp cold water

Variations

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots during cooking for added nutrition and texture.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Try different mustards: Experiment with whole grain mustard or honey mustard for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first! Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel. This little step helps the seasonings stick better and ensures we get that perfect texture when it’s cooked. Now sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and paprika generously over the chicken pieces. Don’t be shy—this helps build the flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter until smooth. This mixture is what makes our chicken oh-so-tender and flavorful! Once it’s well blended, pour it over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Be sure to cover as much of the chicken as possible; we want every piece to soak up those delicious flavors!

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Now it’s time to let your crockpot do its magic! Close the lid and cook on LOW heat for about three hours or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If possible, check in at around two hours—this way you’ll know how things are coming along!

Step 4: Shred & Add Cream

Once your chicken is cooked through, use two forks to pull it apart into large chunks or shred it completely—whichever you prefer! About thirty minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream to add richness to your sauce. It takes this dish from good to absolutely divine!

Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce

If you’d like a thicker sauce (and who wouldn’t?), mix together cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into your sauce and allow it to heat on warm or low for about thirty minutes. It will thicken nicely as it cooks longer—perfect for coating that tender chicken!

Step 6: Serve Up & Enjoy!

Once you’ve reached your desired thickness, it’s time to serve up this delightful dish! Whether over rice or alongside some steamed veggies, I’m sure everyone will be asking for seconds. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Creating this delicious dish is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can take it to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality honey will enhance the flavor profile of your dish, making it more aromatic and delicious.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different twist.
• Don’t skip the searing: If time allows, searing the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the crockpot adds an extra layer of flavor through caramelization.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Store leftovers properly: Ensure any leftover chicken is stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It makes for great meal prep options later in the week!

How to Serve Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

Serving this Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is just as fun as preparing it! Here are some tasty ideas to make your meal even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Chopped scallions: Green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: This vibrant green veggie adds nutritious fiber and balances out the richness of the chicken’s sauce.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the honey mustard flavors.
• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette offers a light contrast to the hearty chicken dish.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring out natural sugars when caramelized, creating an irresistible side that complements this flavorful main course.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, gather your ingredients and enjoy creating this comforting family favorite! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken is not only quick to prepare but also makes for excellent meal prep! You can easily store leftovers or even freeze portions for later, ensuring you always have a delicious dinner ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, divide the chicken into portions.
• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

Yes! Chicken thighs work perfectly and tend to be more juicy. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F when cooked.

How can I make my Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken thicker?

To thicken the sauce, simply mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving. This will help create a nice, thick consistency!

Can I prepare Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all your ingredients a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just combine everything in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook.

What sides pair well with Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. Feel free to get creative with sides that your family enjoys!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and is great for meal prepping since it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken! It’s truly a comforting dish that brings warmth to any busy weeknight. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor profile, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!